A search of the area was undertaken by officers, assisted by the Dog Section, and the firearm and ammunition were seized and made safe and are to be disposed of. Enquiries are ongoing.

Inspector Ian Shuttleworth said: "Working with the community has meant we have been able to recover a firearm and further reduce the capability of people who are intent on using them to cause fear, intimidation or harm in our communities.

“We are pleased to have removed them from circulation and are grateful to the member of the public who brought it to our attention. A high powered BB gun is not something we want on our streets and we are happy to have removed it safely along with the ammunition.

“This shows yet again the part that our communities can play in helping us to make Merseyside a safer place to live.

“If you have any information at all about where firearms and ammunition are being stored, please contact police so we can take them off the streets.” Anyone with information about firearms is asked to contact Merseyside Police social media desk via Twitter @MerPolCC or Facebook Merseyside Police CC quoting ref 375 of 28/4/19. You can also call 101 or contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously, on 0800 555 111 or via their online form at: https://crimestoppers-uk.org/give-information/give-information.